Instead of making a sweet and chocolatey treat for Valentine’s Day, I decided to do the opposite and make something with a complex, bitter flavor. Why bitter, you may ask? According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, each flavor (sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty) nourishes a different organ. Bitter-tasting foods nourish the heart, so I thought it fitting to include a recipe that would benefit the heart on a day when we are encouraged to express our love.

The winter months can get a bit mundane when it comes to fresh, local produce, so I am always trying to find ways to enjoy the few seasonal ingredients available. During the summer, salads are a staple at my house, but the days of local arugula and spring mix are long gone. Not to fret — radicchio and endive, two winter lettuces, are packed with flavor and nutrition and are the perfect, minimal-calorie addition to any salad or meal.